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James Goyder

Kiamran Nabati has yet to lose in nine years as a professional fighter but faces his toughest test yet when he takes on former bantamweight champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao at ONE Friday Fights 81.
Wins against three top Thai fighters at the Lumpinee Stadium saw the Russian fighter earn a multi-fight contract with ONE Championship.
And now he has a shot at the third-ranked fighter in the bantamweight division.
“It has been step by step, but now I am fighting with a legend,” Nabati told the Post. “I’m so excited.
“People around the world watch this weight division so it’s a big opportunity to show the world who I am.”

Nabati is eight years younger than Nong-O who has lost two out of his last three fights. The Thai fighter might be coming towards the end of his career but Nabati is taking this bout seriously.
“I know he is old but he’s dangerous,” Nabati added. “Nong-O has big experience and he was a champion for three or four years.
“I respect this guy, this fight will show the world who I am.”
He is training alongside Panpayak Jitmuangnon, who is making his long awaited comeback at ONE Friday Fights 81.
The two have sparred together and Nabati said he has learned from the legendary Thai fighter.
“Phuket Fight Club is my second home, I’ve been coming to this gym for five years,” he said. “They have a lot of guys, Panpayak is here with his brother.
“They helped me for this fight, we sparred. The atmosphere is very good.”
Phuket Fight Club is unusual in that the head coach, Leo Elias, is not Thai but has worked with several big name Thai fighters.
It is rare for anyone coming from outside the kingdom to forge such a strong reputation for conducting training sessions and putting together game plans.
“When I train with Leo, the head coach, I learn something every time,” Nabati said.
Victory over Nong-O could open the door to a title shot, with the belt now in possession of Superlek Kiatmoo9 following his quick-fire stoppage win over Jonathan Haggerty at ONE 168.
Superlek, who also holds the flyweight Muay Thai title, has many challengers waiting in the wings with Nico Carrillo among them, while Haggerty would surely be keen on a rematch.
But Nabati has told the top contenders to watch out as a win over Nong-O would put him in the conversation.
“Of course I am looking at Superlek, I want the belt,” he said, adding: “I am here and I am going to take this belt, I’m coming for everybody in the top five.”


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ONE Championship

ONE Championship: undefeated Nabati eyes Superlek belt by beating Nong-O in coming fight

Kiamran Nabati has not tasted defeat in his professional career but now wants to become a contender the bantamweight division. Photo: ONE Championship

Kiamran Nabati (left) is hoping a win over Nong-O Gaiyanghadao will make him a title contender. Photo: ONE Championship

ONE Championship: Panpayak eyes Superlek showdown, says ‘only I can stop Muay Thai king’

Panpayak Jitmuangnon has not fought since 2022 but believes he is the only man who can stop Superlek Kiatmoo9. Photo: ONE Championship

Superlek Kiatmoo9 (right) has spoken highly of his Thai rival Panpayak Jitmuangnon. Photo: ONE Championship

Panpayak Jitmuangnon (left) lands a kick during a fight with Savvas Michael. Photo: ONE Championship

ONE Championship: heavyweight bout added to ONE 169 between Marcus Almeida, Amir Aliakbari

Amir Aliakbari (pictured) coulf get a Heavyweight title shot if he beats Marcus Almeida in their showdown at ONE 169. Photo: ONE Championship

ONE Championship, Gladiator star Russell Crowe to collaborate on new film The Beast In Me

Russell Crowe, right, co-wrote and will star in film The Beast In Me, which is made in collaboration with ONE Championship. Photo Getty Images

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong is expected to appear in sports film The Beast In Me. Photo: ONE Championship

ONE Championship: Chinese fighter Banma Duoji added to Fight Night 25, main event in doubt

Chinese fighter Banma Duoji has been added to the Fight Night 24 card at Lumpinee Stadium on October 3. Photo: ONE Championship

Denize Zamboanga has had to pull out of the Fight Night 25 main event following an injury. Photo: ONE Championship

K-1 star Kana Morimoto makes switch to ONE Championship, wants Phetjeeja’s atomweight belt

Kana Morimoto has signed with ONE Championship. Photo: Instagram/Kana_silverwolf

Sport

Martial Arts

Russian has not lost in nine years as a professional fighter but faces biggest test of his career at ONE Friday Fights 81


Russian has not lost in nine years as a professional fighter but faces biggest test of his career at ONE Friday Fights 81.
